Office of Evangelization and Catechesis	Archdiocese of Cincinnati	Catholic Schools Office
	Forms for Catechetical Leader Certification Catechist Certification and How to use the forms Principal Certification - Elementary NCEA-ACRE Checklist Permission, Release and Medical Power of Attorney Requesting Video Courses for Catechist Certification Click here for a summary of catechist certification and here for a summary of catechetical leader certification

How to Use the Forms

Catechist Observation
    Ordinarily, a certified catechetical leader will do the observation.  Having someone present during a learning session to evaluate the skills of a catechist may make him/her nervous.  However, observation provides an objective voice to affirm the teaching performance of the catechist and to determine the areas needing improvement.  Observation also helps the catechetical leader identify those people whose gifts are better suited to another ministry.  The observation form provides the criteria for the evaluation process.  Catechetical leaders should give catechists a copy of the observation form in advance so that they are familiar with the evaluation criteria.  Catechetical leaders should also obtain a copy of a catechist’s lesson plan prior to the observation.  We strongly recommend annual observations of catechists.  However, it is only required when catechists are ready to apply for certification.  When the observation is completed, the date and place should be recorded on the form which should be put in the catechist’s file.

 Catechist Interview
    The interview follows the observation.  The catechetical leader first reviews what he/she observed, affirming strengths and pointing out areas for improvement.  Then the catechetical leader uses the questions on the interview forms for a broader discussion with the catechist.  There is an interview guide for each type of certification.  No guide is provided for recertification.  In that case, the guide corresponding to the type of certification being renewed should be adapted.  Distinct interview forms for each type of certification are provided because different expectations exist for skills, knowledge, and formation   Catechists should receive the interview guide beforehand so that they have time to reflect on the questions.  When the interview is finished, the annotated guide should be placed in the catechist’s file and the date of the interview written on the form. 

Plan of Study for Further Growth and Enrichment
    The Plan of Study for Further Growth and Enrichment results from the observation and interview.  The catechetical leader and catechist together determine the catechist’s goals for personal and professional growth based on issues which surfaced during the observation and interview.  This individualized plan should list areas needing development, name which ones will be addressed over the next three years, and describe the specific ways these areas will be addressed.  For example, the catechetical leader could encourage the catechist to work toward the next level of certification.  The catechetical leader and the catechist could formulate a plan stating which learning modules will be completed, which skills should be gained and how others will be nurtured, and which formational activity would best support the catechist’s spiritual progress.  Creating the plan of study focuses the catechist’s attention on acquiring the theological knowledge and pedagogical skills that will enhance his/her ability to pass on the faith in his/her particular religious education setting.  The catechetical leader gives a copy of the signed and dated Plan of Study for Further Growth and Enrichment form to the catechist and keeps a copy in the parish office.  The date is also entered on the application form.

 Catechists’ Records of Progress
    Keeping track of catechists’ participation in learning activities simplifies the completion of the application forms.  Accurate and current information about what was taken, when, where, and how it was taken alleviates the frustration of trying to remember details at application time.  The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis in each region of the archdiocese maintains recent records of the learning modules catechists in their region have taken.  However, it is important for parishes and schools to have accurate files on individual catechists.  Catechetical leaders are encouraged to use this form or to design their own.

 

	Office of Evangelization and Catechesis	Archdiocese of Cincinnati	Catholic Schools Office

updated on June 27, 2008